Rajarhat declares UP compound bird sanctuary

RAJARHAT, KURIGRAM, Aug 6: Rajarhat Upazila in Kurigram has declared the Upazila Parishad (UP) premises a bird sanctuary and launched an initiative to install handmade bird nests made from earthen pots to provide safe shelter for local and migratory birds.

The initiative was inaugurated on Thursday by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Tanzila Tasnim at a brief ceremony held in front of the main gate of the upazila parishad.

Officials from various government departments, local journalists and community representatives attended the programme, symbolically carrying the handcrafted clay nests before they were installed on trees across the UP compound.

Among those present were Assistant Commissioner (Land) Samiur Rahman, Upazila Livestock Officer Dr Rahmat Ali, Women Affairs Officer Jayanti Rani, Upazila Social Services Officer SM Habibur Rahman, Upazila Fisheries Officer Emdadul Haque, Upazila Statistics Officer, Upazila Project Implementation Officer Asaduzzaman, Rajarhat Press Club General Secretary Prahlad Mondal Saikat, Swechchhasebak Dal Convener Anisur Rahman Liton, and RTV correspondent Asaduzzaman Asad.

According to the upazila administration, the UP compound is home to a variety of trees that attract numerous species of local and migratory birds throughout the year, particularly during winter. However, the lack of suitable nesting sites and safe shelter has prevented many birds from staying for long periods.

To address the issue, the administration has installed environmentally friendly nests made from earthen pots on trees within the compound, aiming to encourage birds to nest and breed safely.

UNO Tanzila Tasnim said the initiative had been undertaken following instructions from the deputy commissioner.

"We are declaring the UP premises a safe sanctuary for birds. Capturing, killing or disturbing birds here will be considered a punishable offence under the law. 

From today, birds will be able to move freely and safely within this area. Strict legal action will be taken against anyone violating these rules," she said.